BBC Player is set to launch in 2016, and Singapore is to be inaugural launch pad for new international SVOD service from BBC Worldwide.
BBC Player is a new authenticated multi-genre SVOD service that will allow viewers to watch BBC programmes anytime anywhere – online, as well as via an app on their smartphones and tablets. It will be available in Singapore to StarHub TV customers later this year.
BBC Player will feature curated content from six BBC global brands – BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC World News – as well as BBC Brit a new global brand that will be available for the first time in Asia.
“The BBC has a proud heritage in digital innovation – we led the way with news online, radio online and digital video in the UK,” said Paul Dempsey, President Global Markets, BBC Worldwide.
“But what really sets us apart is the care we take in curating our world class content for audiences. I’m delighted that audiences in Singapore, one of the most connected countries in the world with the highest smartphone penetration, will be the first to experience this quality for themselves with the inaugural launch of BBC Player.”
“We are very excited to partner with StarHub on BBC Player to super-serve our viewers deepening their relationship with our brands,” said Monty Ghai, SVP and GM, South East Asia for BBC Worldwide.
“With BBC Payer, StarHub TV subscribers will not only be able to access content beyond our linear channels, the service will also offer fans of BBC.com, which has approximately a million unique browsers per month in Singapore, the opportunity to discover even more content across our brands via BBC Player.”
Ghai added: “We are confident that BBC Player with its broad range of genres – from pre-school, to lifestyle, factual entertainment and documentary programmes will meet the viewing needs of StarHub’s viewers from drama aficionados to carers who need to entertain their pre-schoolers on the go.”
Howie Lau, StarHub’s Chief Marketing Officer commented: “We are delighted that StarHub TV customers will be the first in Asia to enjoy BBC Player. BBC Player not only complements our pay TV offering, it also delivers BBC’s signature content seamlessly across our customers’ devices, deepening the overall entertainment experience. StarHub and BBC Worldwide have achieved many milestones over the last twenty years together and we believe that BBC Player will be a service that takes our partnership into the future.”
At launch, the authenticated BBC Player app will be available in android and iOS. It will also be available online.